E-Ring questions RE: retailers in NYC and L

[emeraldlover1]

I've been a member here for a few years and have done a lot of research. We are currently in the process of shoping for my e-ring and now I have a few very important questions. I'll give you some background on what we are looking for first.

My ideal is an emerald cut stone in the 2-3ct. vacinity with a micropave 1.5mm halo with double prongs and a setting that will allow the stone to sit flush. I've talked with my bf about tihs and he knows how much I would love to have LM design and create my setting however I'm not sure he is sold on this idea yet. Primarily because we live in NYC and not one of our friends has ever heard of him and when I show him the site all of the rings are large and he doesn't see why someone would want to work with us.

BF is from LI and I've suggested working with GOG for the stone and he is ok with this. However, a few of our friends have worked with Golda on 47th st. They are very convincing trying to sell us on working with Albert there. I have to admit, our friends that got their rings there have beautiful pieces. I just don't have a lot of trust for 47th st jewelrs. It just seems so shady every time we are there. I know that is a broad generalization so it would help if anyone has any other feedback on Golda as well. I've done the searches and haven't really come up with much.

I've been on this site for long enough to know what the majority recomends as trusted vendors. My question is, if you were going to step outside the norm on this site. What would you use to gauge if a vendor is being straight with you. Can you list some pro's and con's for me? Is it possible that going with a vendor that claims to be selling at "wholesale" will get a better deal than GOG? Also, are there any cons with having LM source the center stone?

Any information that you could help with would be much appreciated.

THANKS!

 

[emeraldlover1]

Ps...if anyone has any suggestions for em stones that they see out there in inventory that we should take a look at, I will gladly take the suggestion. Again...looking closer to the 3ct range.

Thanks again!

 

[beebrisk]

Date: 5/27/2008 9:10:53 AM
Author:emeraldlover1

My ideal is an emerald cut stone in the 2-3ct. vacinity with a micropave 1.5mm halo with double prongs and a setting that will allow the stone to sit flush. I've talked with my bf about tihs and he knows how much I would love to have LM design and create my setting however I'm not sure he is sold on this idea yet. Primarily because we live in NYC and not one of our friends has ever heard of him and when I show him the site all of the rings are large and he doesn't see why someone would want to work with us.

2-3 carats IS large! Although I don't think any jeweler should make ANY customer feel unwelcome, for this size I believe you'll get LOTS of their attention.

I live in NY too, and I would never consider using Golda...Not that I have ANY information about them. For all I know they might be A-okay...But knowing what I do now, after reading PS for 3 years I would use all the great info found here to my advantage and stick with one of the guys who are repeatedly recommended on this site.

Personally I wouldn't look further than GOG, White Flash, ERD (Mark Turnowski) or Leon M. (My ring is custom from ERD). The raves for these folks are numerous and consistent.

Share PS with your BF and I think he'll soon feel more comfortable using ANY of these recommended vendors.

Good luck and ENJOY---ER shopping is F-U-N !

 

[pixley]

Ditto beebrisk's advice. Make an appointment with Jon at GOG and Mark at ERD, go with your boyfriend so he can meet them in person and develop a comfort level with them. This is a big purchase and you should have someone that you trust to get you something extraordinary. Then, take that baby to Leon for a delicious setting. His craftsmanship speaks for itself and it really shouldn't matter whether anyone's heard of him or not. You are so lucky to be able to work with him locally, because you'll be able to see his photo books and come up with something that you love.

ETA - I wouldn't trust anyone who claims they are selling you something at "wholesale."

 

[EmeraldCutQuest]

Having just purchased an EC diamond last month of the size you want, I feel I am somewhat of an ''authority''. I went to literally dozens of jewelry stores: mom-and-pops; large chains; boutiques; etc. You just CANNOT beat the availablity, service, analysis and pricing that you find with the PS recommended vendors.

In my case, I found an EC diamond at BN, had it sent to WF, who set it in a customized ring -- I couldn''t be happier (and she can''t stop staring at it!).

This one, which I believe is still available, I like a lot: 2.75 J VS; Ideal cut with great Table and Depth numbers. I have seen the pic and the IS image (which look fabulous, btw), but as you might know, with fancy cuts you have to see them in person.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-893036.asp

Good luck!

--ECQ (no longer).

 

[beebrisk]

Date: 5/27/2008 1:29:33 PM
Author: pixle
ETA - I wouldn''t trust anyone who claims they are selling you something at ''wholesale.''

Yup! I would agree...Unless you are in the jewelry ''biz'', you''re paying retail. Some places less than others, but still retail. Real wholesale is to the trade only.

I can''t speak for any of the other vendors really, but have your BF meet Mark or Gary at ERD. They are the greatest guys ever and will make you feel welcome instantly. You won''t get the ''hard sell'' or ANY pressure whatsoever--Unlike walking into one of the many street level dealers on 47th Street.

Have Fun!

 

[emeraldlover1]

Thank you! Pixley, ECQ and Beebrisk. I can''t tell you how much I appreciate your feedback. I found a few EC''s and sent the specs to BF who said that we should check them out. I totally agree with everything you said. I also did a search on the BBB and there is some negative feedback on Golda. I''m trying to explain to my bf that there is a difference between people that are happy with their ER and think that they got a good deal and pricescopers that are educated consumers that truly need to know everything about what they are purchasing to have a sound frame of mind.

ECQ...the specs of the diamond you posted look good. Did you happen to see this one? What did you think aobut the color??? ECQ...what made you choose the stone that you did?

Also, does anyone know of anyone that used LM to source the stone?

Thanks!

-EM1